Weekly Events Calendar, June 12-18, 2023

Each week, Oklahoma Today staffers comb through their calendars to find a handful of great events happening across the state. Get out! See Oklahoma! And be sure to let us know what you find, either here or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @oklahomatoday.

"Never stop learning" is the kind of thing people say without considering how to keep learning. Not everyone can afford to pop in on college classes or hire a personal tutor. In Oklahoma, the Enid Summer Chautauqua revisits the educational seminars of the past with a week of fascinating talks, daily workshops, and reenactors embodying key historical figures. Learn from Elsa Wolff's Amelia Earhart, Doug Mishler's Chuck Yeager and more with this summer's theme: American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach-1 held at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, which knows a thing or two about continuing education. June 13-17. Admission, free. csrhc.org/chautauqua

Leave the couch behind for the Myriad Botanical Gardens' lawn in Oklahoma City for free Sonic Summer Movies. Photo by Leslie Spears

Time was, if somebody wanted to see a theatrical film, they had to go to a theater. Well, things are different now. Movies are available in theaters, on streaming platforms, on phones, watches, and, at some point, in an easy-to-swallow pill. But for the most-enjoyable movie-watching experience, consider heading to the Myriad Botanical Gardens for a free outdoor screening of Sonic Summer Movies: Matilda. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and dine under the stars while taking in this beloved adaptation of Roald Dahl's story. June 14. Admission, free. myriadgardens.org

Food, fun, and fellowship await visitors to the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival. Photo courtesy Tulsa Juneteenth

Americans in general will get their freedom on come July 4, but there's an earlier holiday that holds a lot of meaning for many Oklahomans. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed January 1, 1863, the news wouldn't reach enslaved people in Texas until June 19, 1865, and each year it's commemorated in the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival, held this year in the Greenwood Historic District. Three days of entertainment will include educational workshops, nationally acclaimed recording artists, visual art, an open mic, and more. June 15-17. Admission, free. tulsajuneteenth.org

Whether they love experiencing art or making it, the place to be for art lovers is the Dancing Turtle Interactive Celebration of the Arts in Stillwater. This two-day event features live musical performances, Stillwater dance troupe Wildly Brave, film editing and song collaboration competitions, workshops on improving and exploring new media, and so much more. And, as the name implies, there will be a lot of dancing for visitors. Just watch out for any shelled participants breaking it down on the dance floor. June 16-17. Admission, free. dancingturtleok.org

Fishing without a pole? See catfish being pulled up by hand at the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley. Photo by Filip Kalaj

Fishing without bait is difficult. Usually, anglers employ jigs, artificial flies, plugs, crankbaits, spinners, and more to lure in inquisitive and gullible fish, but what if they forget their kits at home? Just become the bait yourself at the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley's Wacker Park. Watch pro noodlers shove their arms into the watery hiding places frequented by the extremely bite-y catfish and emerge with some delicious eats. In addition to the competition, guests can find food vendors, live music, and fun for the kids. Though, is there anything more fun than seeing an enormous fish desperately trying to eat a grown man's arm? June 16-17. Admission, $5-$25. okienoodling.com

Written By

Greg Elwell

Greg Elwell served as research editor and web editor of Oklahoma Today from 2018-2023. He also has worked for newspapers, medical research organizations, and government institutions.